Atticus Finch 

What is a courthouse facility dog?

Courthouse facility dogs are dogs currently working throughout the country in prosecutor’s offices, child advocacy centers, and courthouses. They primarily provide a calming influence for children and adults during stressful legal proceedings. A courthouse facility dog is a professionally trained assistance dog, suitable for providing quiet companionship to vulnerable individuals in legal settings without causing any disruption of the proceedings. Facility dogs are working dogs that are specially chosen because of their calm demeanor and ability to work in a high-stress environment thereby decreasing the risk of creating legal issues. When their workday is over they go home with their primary handler and are “off duty.”

As legally neutral companions for witnesses during the investigation and prosecution of crimes, these dogs help the most vulnerable witnesses feel willing and able to describe what happened. The dogs also provide emotional support to participants in family court proceedings, treatment courts, and mental health commitment proceedings. Courthouse facility dogs provide a compassionate way to help traumatized victims and litigants tell their stories.

Outside of courthouse hours, facility dogs are also used to support first responders following critical incidents. First responders include police officers, fire fighters, paramedics, social workers and hospital staff. The dog would be present for professionals after stressful situations to help them cope with the stress and trauma they experience. Dogs can be there for them in ways that people can’t. They can offer unconditional affection, companionship, comfortable silence, and are great for hugging.

Generous donations to purchase Atticus Finch for Racine County have come from: 

The Racine Community Foundation

Emma Loves Dogs